Origin
The Pimelea ferruginea, also known as the rice flower, is an indigenous plant from Australia. Its natural distribution range includes the south-western regions of Western Australia, where it grows on sandy soil and coastal dunes.

Characteristics
The Pimelea ferruginea is an evergreen shrub that can vary in height from less than a metre to over two metres. The leaves are small, elliptical, and have a distinctive rusty colour, which the plant owes its name to. The flowers, which generally appear in late spring or early summer, are usually white or pink, and are arranged in tight clusters at the end of the branches.

Care
Despite being an indigenous plant, the Pimelea ferruginea can also be found in gardens and parks outside of Australia. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun or partial shade. Keep the soil moist, but avoid water saturation. As the plant is tolerant of salty conditions, it can successfully be grown in coastal areas. To encourage good growth, it is useful to prune the plant regularly and apply a slow release fertilizer during the growing season.